In situ production of fertilizer

ABSTRACT

A system for creating a nitrate combined with a liquid. A corona discharge cell to generate an electrical field. The corona discharge cell further comprising a conduit to pass air through the electrical field to produce nitric oxide NO, wherein the air comprises a mixture of at least nitrogen N 2  and oxygen O 2 , the conduit for combining the nitric oxide NO with the oxygen O 2  to form nitrogen dioxide NO 2 . The corona discharge cell further comprising an injector for combining the nitrogen dioxide NO 2  with the liquid to generate nitric acid HNO 3  which combines with the liquid to generate the nitrate comprised of nitrate radical NO 3  mixed with the liquid.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to the co-pending provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 61/490,186, Attorney Docket NumberNitroMan-001.PRO, entitled “1N SITU NITRATE PRODUCTION AND DELIVERYSYSTEM,” with filing date May 26, 2011, which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Farming techniques often require the use of fertilizer for growing cropsefficiently. Current methods utilize synthetic fertilizers made from nonrenewable fossil fuels. These methods are considered non-sustainablebecause the many added costs detracting from the overall farming produceequation. For example, the fertilizer must be manufactured, transportedto the farm site, and then disbursed to the crops, each or which hascosts and hazards associated with it. Some farming techniques result infertilizers being overused with the excess fertilizer ending up inlakes, streams, rivers and oceans causing environmental problems. Thekey component of the nitrogen cycle, essential for plant growth isNitrate or NO₃ Nitrate is needed for the plants to create amino acids,which are the basic building blocks proteins and of life.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of components for producingfertilizer in situ in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 1B illustrates a block diagram of components for producingfertilizer in situ in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 1C illustrates a block diagram of components for producingfertilizer in situ in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 2A illustrates a block diagram of components for producingfertilizer in situ in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 2B illustrates a block diagram of components for producingfertilizer in situ in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 2C illustrates a block diagram of components for producingfertilizer in situ in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of components for producingfertilizer in situ in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of components for producingfertilizer in situ in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of components for producingfertilizer in situ in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of an example method for producing afertilizer in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of an example method for producing afertilizer in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of an example method for in situproduction of a fertilizer in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of an example method for reducing revenueexpenditures associated with an in situ production of a fertilizer inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology.

The drawings referred to in this description of embodiments should beunderstood as not being drawn to scale except if specifically noted.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the presenttechnology, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the technology will be described in conjunction withvarious embodiment(s), it will be understood that they are not intendedto limit the present technology to these embodiments. On the contrary,the present technology is intended to cover alternatives, modificationsand equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope ofthe various embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

Furthermore, in the following description of embodiments, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present technology. However, the present technologymay be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not beendescribed in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of thepresent embodiments.

Overview of In Situ Production of Fertilizer

Nitrogen, N on the periodic table, is found in nature as diatomicnitrogen N₂. The air we breathe is about 78 percent nitrogen, but is notin a molecular form suitable for plant growth. To make this nitrogenavailable to support life, nitrogen from the atmosphere must beconverted into a molecule plants can metabolize. In one form this iscalled Nitrate or NO₃.

The present technology operates to generate or produce Nitrate as afertilizer in situ or on location where fertilizer is needed for growingcrops. The Nitrate may be injected into a water supply and is thendelivered to the crops or plants by delivering the water injected withthe Nitrate to the crops. A manifold may be used for the injecting theNitrate into the water supply. A system may be implemented on locationfor generating Nitrate and then watering and fertilizing the cropssimultaneously. Thus the present technology reduces costs associatedwith producing or manufacturing fertilizer off-site, transporting thefertilizer to a crop site, and deliver the fertilizer to the crops.

Often methods using a synthetic nitrogen fertilizer made from fossilfuels require time, effort and expense to transport the fertilizer tothe crop site or farm and then distribute or deliver the syntheticnitrogen fertilizer to the crops often by means of a tractor or otherfarm equipment. Such techniques are inefficient and may result inover-fertilizing which causes the excess fertilizer to end up in naturalwater supplies. Such non-sustainable farming techniques are costly andcreate problems that need to be dealt with currently and more so in thefuture. The present technology produces fertilizer in situ thuseliminating the need to transport the fertilizer from an off-sitelocation to a farm or crop site. The fertilizer is injected into a watersupply that may be used to water or irrigate the crops thus eliminatingthe need to use tractors or other equipment to deliver the fertilizer tothe crops. The two transport costs alone make the process attractive asan alternative to conventional fertilizer delivery methods.Additionally, delivering the Nitrate to crops using water reduces thepractice of overusing fertilizer as the water enables faster nutrientuptake by the plant. Some modern farming techniques require the use oforganic fertilizer. The present technology solves the need fortransporting organic fertilizer to a crop location by producing organicfertilizer in situ.

The present technology converts nitrogen from its gaseous state in theair to a Nitrate form that is soluble in water. Such techniques may bemore cost efficient than current techniques for producing fertilizer.

Nitrate (NO₃) is produced from atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) duringlightning storms. The energy released by the lightning as well as thepressure and accompanying rain produce a natural fertilizer. The presenttechnology described herein uses hardware and techniques to reproducethis process using air, electricity and water. The present technologymay be described as creating a form of controlled lightning calledelectrical plasma. Using pre-determined electrical frequency, voltageand under the right pressure N₂ may be converted into NO₃ at amanageable scale.

In an embodiment, air comprising nitrogen, oxygen, and other gaseouselements, is passed through a corona discharge cell. The coronadischarge cell is configured to create a high-voltage electrical fieldsufficient to ionize the nitrogen and oxygen molecules, reducing them totheir elemental states. When forced into a water solution, the freeradical elements recombine in various ways to form nitric acid insolution, with free radical NO₃, nitrate as a product of the nitric acidand water.

The gas plasma or corona can be produced at the corona cell's resonantfrequency or a harmonic thereof, by a large difference of potentialbetween two conductors, which may be separated by an insulator, with aspace in between for the gas to travel through. As the gas travelsthrough the plasma the N₂ molecules are ionized to the point where theycan break apart into their base atoms and then recombine at a higherenergy state or as a polyatomic radical with a x⁻¹ charge. The resultanthigh-energy nitrogen then forms NO₃ when injected into the water via aventuri system, or other method.

An embodiment using ambient air as the source for nitrogen (N₂) alsoincludes approximately twenty percent oxygen content. With the oxygen,HNO₃ is produced which, when injected into H₂O, produces NO₃ or Nitrate.An embodiment using nitrogen alone creates NO₃ by an undefined butmeasurable process. The resultant liquid contains Nitrate, which canthen be piped into an irrigation system for direct delivery to the cropsduring irrigation.

In one embodiment, air comprising nitrogen, oxygen, and other gaseouselements, is exposed to microwaves from a microwave generator. Themicrowave energy also produces an Alternating Current (AC)electrical-field sufficient to ionize the nitrogen and oxygen molecules,reducing them to their elemental states, just as an AC or Direct Current(DC) electrical-field does in the corona cell embodiment. When forcedinto a water solution, the free radical elements recombine in variousways to form nitric acid in solution, with free radical NO₃, nitrate asa byproduct. In various embodiments, the same result may be obtainedusing radio waves, such as high frequency high power radio waves otherthan those defined as microwaves, which may have the same or greatereffect.

The following discussion will demonstrate various hardware, powersupplies, and other components that are used with and in systems usedfor in situ production of fertilizer in various embodiments of thepresent technology.

Embodiments of In Situ Production of Fertilizer

With reference now to FIG. 1A, a corona cell in accordance withembodiments of the present technology. FIG. 1A depicts environment 100which shows an embodiment of a corona cell connected to power supply140. However, the present technology may be practiced with corona cellsof different shapes and sizes that may or may not include the componentsshown in FIG. 1A.

The corona cell comprises an inner portion 115 and an outer portion 120which are electrically conductive and may be described as electrodes orconductors. Inner portion 115 and outer portion 120 may be comprised ofany number of materials that are electrically conductive such as metal,copper, silver, aluminum, stainless steel, etc. Inner portion 115 may besolid in shape or may be tubular with a hollow portion. In oneembodiment, the length of inner portion 115 extends longer than outerportion 120 and through end caps 125 and 130. A conduit, chamber, or airgap is formed between inner portion 115 and outer portion 120 which isalso enclosed on either end by end caps 125 and 130 and is air tight. Inone embodiment, air-tight chamber is formed between an insulator, notshown in FIG. 1A, inner portion 115 and end caps 125 and 130. Outerportion 120 may then be wrapped around the insulator and need not extendthe full length between end caps 125 and 130. Thus the chamber, conduitor air gap is formed in a tubular fashion with an annular ring chamber.The insulator may form the structural supporting body of the assembly.

Power supply 140 may be employed to connect, an electrical voltage toinner portion 115 and outer portion 120 via wires 135 and 136. It shouldbe appreciated that power supply 140 may supply a voltage to eitherinner portion 115 or outer portion 120 and connect the other to ground.Alternatively, neither polarity need be connected to ground, but rathercan be independent of the grounding system. When voltage is applied toinner portion 115 or outer portion 120, an electrical field is generatedin the chamber between the two. By shaping inner portion 115 and outerportion 120 in a cylindrical, annular fashion, the volume of theenclosed chamber exposed to the electrical field is maximized and makesefficient use of the voltage applied by power supply 140 to generate theelectric field. An electric field is equal to voltage divided bydistance. Thus the shorter the distance the greater the electric fieldstrength will be. In one embodiment, the distance or thickness of theair gap between inner portion 115 and the outer conductor is 0.02inches. In one embodiment, power supply 140 is powered by solar cells.In one embodiment a minimum voltage level is required for ionization inthe corona cell. This minimum voltage may be referred to as called thecorona inception voltage (CIV). In one embodiment, the minimum ACvoltage required is 1.950 KV RMS or 2.75 KV peak to peak to cross an airgap of 0.01 inches. In such an embodiment, a higher level of voltage mayalso be employed.

In one embodiment, outer portion 120 may be a thin material that iselectrically conductive and able to wrap or bend around the insulator.For example the insulator may be a glass tube which provides structuralrigidity and support. A thin sheet of metal or copper plating may beadhesively applied to the outer surface of the insulator. The cooling ofouter portion 120 may be aided by cooling elements 145. In oneembodiment, cooling elements 145 are composed of thin metal or othermaterial that will thermally cool outer portion 120. Cooling elements145 may be made with a single wire-wound spring that is then wrappedaround outer portion 120. Alternatively, cooling fins may be affixed tothe outer surface. The fins may be arranged to be in parallel with theaxis of the corona cell, or may be formed as annular rings whose planesare perpendicular to the axis of the corona cell. In one embodiment,inner portion 115 has a diameter of 0.56 inches, the insulator inannular and has an inner diameter of 0.6 inches and an outer diameter of0.68 inches, thus creating a 0.02 inch air gap between the innerdiameter of the insulator and inner portion 115. In such an embodiment,air may flow through the annular air gap in the range of 4 to 12 litersper minute or 8.47 to 25.4 standard cubic foot per hour (SCFH). In oneembodiment, the distance between the outer surface of inner portion 115and out portion 120 is 0.19 inches.

In one embodiment, inner portion 115 is hollow and filled with air whichis used to cool inner portion 115 which will become hot as inner portion115 is heated by the close proximity of the hot plasma. Air may beforced through the hollow portion of inner portion 115 via a fan orother means to increase the cooling effect. In one embodiment, innerportion 115 and outer portion 120 may be described as coaxial cylinders.

The wires connecting the power supply high voltage to the two conductorson the corona cell body may be connected by any of well-known methods. Asolder tab may be attached to outer portion 120 as an electricalconnector for power supply 140. The power supply wire may use a terminalclip that is used to connect or disconnect wire 135 to outer portion 120via a solder tab. The placement of the solder tab/terminal clip may beat any point along the outer portion 120. Inner portion 115 may beconnected to power supply 115 via wire 136 connected in a similarmanner. Soldering may be preferable as a more permanent connectionmethod. It should be appreciated that current or voltage from powersupply 140 may be direct current or alternating current. Thus theelectrical field orientation between inner portion 115 and outer portion120 may point in either direction in operations of the presenttechnology.

In one embodiment, end cap 125 comprises inlet 105 which allows air orgas to flow into the chamber subjected to the electric field. The air orgas may be ambient air, filtered air, or from a supply such as a tank.End cap 130 comprises outlet 110 which allows gases to flow out of thechamber. It should be appreciated that the corona cell is notdirectional meaning that the gas inlets and outlets may be switched andthe corona cell would operate in the same manner. Inlet 105 and outlet110 may have standard connectors for connecting hoses or other hardwareused to transport gases. End caps 125 and 130 may be comprises of avariety of materials to make the chamber air-tight by holding the innerportion 115 away from the insulator or outer portion 120. In oneembodiment, end caps 125 and 130 are composed of Teflon or ceramic andemploy Kalrez™ or fluorosilicone o-rings for end cap seals. In oneembodiment, inlet 105 utilizes Viton seals and o-rings. In oneembodiment, inlet 105 and outlet 110 utilizes polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF) or stainless steel fittings. The corona cell may also employ avariety of seals, o-rings, nuts, bolts, adhesives, and other hardware tohold the components together while forming an air tight chamber. In oneembodiment, the ends of inner portion 115 are threaded such that a nutmay be used to secure the end caps to the corona cell and allows thechamber to be pressurized. In one embodiment, the insulator is composedof glass such as borosilicate glass, well-known for its excellentthermal stability. In one embodiment, the gas mixture from the coronacell passes out of the cell and is injected into a liquid using aninjector such as a venturi injector or an air stone. An air stone is aporous rock-like substance with multiple interconnecting passages whichfacilitate intermixing of the gas and the liquid.

In one embodiment, the corona cell is used to generate nitrogen dioxideNO₂ which is injected into a liquid, comprising water H₂O, to generatenitric acid HNO₃ which combines again with the liquid to generate anitrate radical NO₃. Thus, a nitrate fertilizer is generated ormanufactured. The corona cell operates by passing air into the chamberwhich is exposed to an electrical field generated between inner portion115 and 120. The air exposed to the electric field in the chamberionizes the nitrogen into a gas plasma or corona. Ambient air comprisesa mixture of nitrogen N₂ and oxygen O₂ as well as other gases. Thenitrogen N₂ exposed to the electrical field produces nitric oxide NO inthe chamber. The nitric oxide NO then combines with the O₂ in thechamber to generate the nitrogen dioxide NO₂. This may be described asthe Haber process or Haber-Bosch process. The present technology mayalso may use of the Birkeland-Eyde Reaction. The present technology mayalso be connected to a manifold or other system that is employed tosimultaneously water and fertilize crops.

Crops, such as oats, grass and soybeans that have been fertilized andwatered with embodiments of the present technology have demonstratedpositive impacts on both the green mass as well as the root mass of theplant.

Aerobic bacteria are naturally found in soil and are often starved foroxygen because of soil compaction and other factors. If the soil becomesvoid of enough oxygen, anaerobic bacteria take over and can actuallyremove nitrogen from the soil and release it into the atmosphere whichprevents the crops from absorbing the nitrogen. The present technologypresents a solution for minimizing the effects of loss of oxygen in thesoil. The corona cell also introduces oxygen O₂ into the water which isthen delivered to the crops and their surrounding soil. The oxygen O₂provides aerobic bacteria with a higher level of oxygen. Thus theaerobic bacteria are not able to remove the nitrogen from the soil thecrops are growing in.

Air passing through the corona cell may be controlled via a variety ofparameter with a variety of techniques. In one embodiment, the pressureof the gas and/or plasma is controlled. Such control may be implementedusing a circuit. The circuit may comprise a process and a circuit boardthat may or may not be part of power supply 140. The circuit may alsocomprise components that measure the temperature of the corona cell. Inone embodiment, the frequency of the corona cell may be controlled forvarious reasons. For example, the frequency may be changed on start-upof the corona cell to tune a circuit. The circuit it tuned to achieve aresonance which is determined by measuring the voltage and current. Amap may be created that maps the voltage and current as it applies to acorona cell which can be used to precisely determine on which frequencythe resonance is located. Resonance and resonant frequency may be usedfor frequency control to power cells of different shapes and sizes aswell as compensating for changes due to thermal expansion andcontraction. Such compensation may be achieved in real time while thecorona cell is active.

Maintaining or controlling a corona cell at or near its resonantfrequency allows uses less power and generates less heat while producinga maximized corona compared to a corona cell that is not controlled. Inone embodiment, the frequency circuit of the corona cell is first tunedto be in resonance, and then the corona cell is de-tuned as the powersupply's frequency is moved off resonance slightly to reduce the coronalevel. The de-tuning may be performed to a point where there is still astrong plasma in the corona cell but the temperature is reduced. In oneembodiment, this balance between the strength of the plasma and thetemperature is a specified percentage or otherwise predetermined andprogrammed into the circuit. The processor on the circuit board mayconstantly monitor the corona cell and then make adjustment due toenvironmental changes and/or cell changes during the life span of thecell.

In one embodiment, the current of power supply 140 is controlled. Acurrent sensor and limiting circuit are utilized on a microprocessorcontrolled power supply to: limit current to the corona cell to a presetlevel, limit current to the corona cell on start-up to extend cell life,and remove current if a high current condition is sensed. Different sizeand shape corona cells need different amounts of current to achievecorona.

In one embodiment, the voltage of power supply 140 is controlled.Voltage control may be achieved by means of changing the voltage appliedto the primary coil of the output or step-up transformer to supply thedifference of potential across the air gap and insulator to achieve thedesired corona. In one embodiment the power supply comprises voltagesettings from 6,000 to 12,000 voltage in alternating current (VAC) rootmean square (rms). In one embodiment, the voltage is set for each cellsize and type to a fixed value and the frequency is controlled while thevoltage is fixed.

In one embodiment, the temperature of the corona cell is controlled. Atemperature of the corona cell is measured. For example, a thermistormay be affixed to end cap 125 or 130 or other non-conductive area. Thethermistor may detect radiate heat and can warn of potential problems.The circuit reads the resistance of the thermistor and compares it to aset value. If the reading goes off the set value then the circuit can bede-tuned farther away from the set resonant frequency which lowers thegas plasma level in the cell in to cool it down. Corona cells may beused in a variety of environmental conditions which may vary inenvironmental temperature, humidity, etc. By monitoring the corona celltemperature, the corona cell may be kept active and producing corona alevel appropriate to the environmental temperature. For example, in awarm green house, the corona cell may run at a lower activity levelduring the day and a higher activity level during the night. In oneembodiment, the circuit board for the corona cell or power supplycomprises an output to indicate temperature such as a light emittingdiode (LED) output.

Temperature may also be controlled by controlling the amount of time apower supply is run. For example, a power supply may be turned on andoff in a cycle such as a duty cycle. A duty cycle timer may be employedto turn the power supply on for one second and then off for one second,or for any other predetermined durations of time from 0 to 100%. Dutycycles for power supplies might have millisecond on off times such as onfor 9 milliseconds, off for 1 milliseconds for a 90% duty cycle; orcomparably, on for 900 milliseconds and off for 100 milliseconds withthe same net corona and heat effect.

In one embodiment, the control parameters or features of the corona cellthat control frequency, resonant frequency, voltage, current, pressureand/or temperature, are monitored and controlled remotely. This may beaccomplished with a power supply comprising the components and abilityto communicate over a network. For example, a power supply maycommunicate via RS 485 to a ModBus or SCATA network. Power supplies andcorona cells can also be controlled in a master-slave configuration.This is accomplished via a jumper on the circuit board as that is usedto set one power supply as the master and jumpers on other circuitboards set as slaves. For example, one master can monitor and controltwenty slaves via a three wire serial data cable. A telephone cable andplug in connectors may be used for this application.

In one embodiment, the voltage applied to the corona cell is fromalternating current a frequency of the electrical field of the coronacell is controlled. In one embodiment, the voltage from the power sourceto the corona cell is controlled. In one embodiment, the electricalcurrent from the power source to corona cell is controlled. In oneembodiment alternating current or AC power is used to create the gasplasma in the corona cell. In one embodiment direct current or DC poweris used to create the gas plasma in the corona cell. In one embodimentthe power source may use AC power to power the systems power supply. Inone embodiment the power source may be a DC supply, such as a solar cellor battery, to power the systems power supply. In one embodiment, thecorona cell is indirectly controlled by measuring a temperature of thecorona cell via a thermistor. The data from the thermistor is thenemployed to operate the corona cell at a predetermined or optimaltemperature.

In one embodiment, inner portion 115 is composed of copper and as aresult of the heat from the corona and the strong electric field createdby the high voltage, cause copper ions to be ejected from the copperconductor. Thus this corona cell introduces copper ions into the water,which then act as a fungicide for the crops. Crops treated with copperions using embodiments of the present technology have demonstrated apositive impact in germination rates and vigor of the plant. In oneembodiment, inner portion 115 is composed of iron and as a result of theheat and strong electric field created by the corona, cause iron ions tobe ejected from the iron conductor and introduced into the gas enteringthe water. In similar fashion other beneficial conductive metals can beused, singularly or as an amalgamation, for the center conductorallowing their ions to be released by the same effect.

In one embodiment, a corona cell may be employed to inject a watersupply with nitrate. The same water may then be injected with morenitrate fertilizer by a different corona cell or a microwave generatorby passing the same water through the system. Either additional coronacells may be used to add nitrate to the water, or the water can bere-circulated. In so doing, the same water becomes more and moresaturated with nitrate fertilizer. This technique may be employed toensure that a desired or proper amount of nitrate fertilizer isdelivered to the crop. Henry's Law of physics states that at a constanttemperature, the amount of a given gas that dissolves in a given typeand volume of liquid is directly proportional to the partial pressure ofthat gas in equilibrium with that liquid. In one embodiment, Henry's Lawcreates an upper limit of how much nitrate fertilizer may be dissolvedinto the same water. To overcome this limitation, excess nitrogen may beremoved from the water to allow the nitrate fertilizer to saturate thewater. A de-gasser may be employed to remove the excess nitrogen fromthe water prior to injection of the nitrate.

In one embodiment, a corona cell and a delivery system may be portableand used to deploy nitrate fertilizer directly to a crop or plant. Forexample, the corona cell and delivery system may be mounted to a tractorand then transported to a plurality of crops at different locations tofertilizer and water the crops on location. A corona cell and a deliverysystem may also be stationary and connected to a water source employedat a farm for irrigating crops.

With reference now to FIG. 1B, a cross sectional view of a corona cellin accordance with embodiments of the present technology. FIG. 1Bdepicts environment 170 which shows an embodiment of a corona cell.However, the present technology may be practiced with corona cells ofdifferent shapes and sizes that may or may not include the componentsshown in FIG. 1B. It should be appreciated that outer portion 120 andinner portion 115 of FIG. 1A may have the same features, capabilitiesand properties as outer portion 120 and inner portion 115 of FIG. 1B. Itshould be appreciated that relative distances, proportions, andthickness of components depicted in environment 170 may vary inpractice.

Environment 170 depicts insulator 160 as separating inner portion 115and outer portion 120 such that chamber 155 is formed. Chamber 155 maybe the chamber, conduit or air gap described in FIG. 1A. Insulator 160may be the insulator described in FIG. 1A. Air or other gases are passedthrough chamber 155 and exposed to an electrical field generated betweenouter portion 120 and inner portion 115. The thickness of chamber 155may vary in different portions of the corona cell. Inner chamber 156 maybe a hollow portion of inner portion 115 that allow ambient air to passthrough the corona cell thus cooling inner chamber 115 and the coronacell as a whole.

With reference now to FIG. 1C, an exploded view of a corona cell inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology. FIG. 1C depictsenvironment 180 which shows an embodiment of a corona cell. However, thepresent technology may be practiced with corona cells of differentshapes and sizes that may or may not include the components shown inFIG. 1C. It should be appreciated that outer portion 120, inner portion115, and end caps 125 and 130 of FIG. 1A may have the same features,capabilities and properties as outer conductor 184, inner conductor 186,and end caps 192 and 194 respectively. Insulator 182 may be theinsulator described in FIG. 1A.

In one embodiment, outer conductor 184 is 4.5 inches long and iscentered on insulator 182 which is 7 inches long. A terminal clip may beplaced a third of the way down on outer conductor 184 which is 2.75inches from an edge of insulator 182. The terminal connector may also beplaced at any point along the outer conductor 184. Insulator 182 may beformed with an outer diameter of 0.75 inches and an inner diameter of0.60 inches. Inner conductor 186 may be 10 inches long with two threadedportions 1.1 inches long each on either end of inner conductor 186. Thenon-threaded portion of inner conductor 186 is 7.8 inches and iscentered between the threaded portions. In one embodiment, the innerdiameter of inner conductor 186 is 0.315 inches and the outer diameterof inner conductor 186 is 0.56 inches. In one embodiment, the air gapbetween insulator 182 and inner conductor 186 may be variable dependingon pressure, frequency, voltage, temperature, gas type, etc.

In one embodiment, outer conductor 184 is shorter in length than innerconductor 186. The corona or gas plasma generated in the chamber thenconcentrates near the edges of the shorter outer conductor 184. Such aconcentration may lead to insulator 182 burning out near theconcentration faster than the rest of insulator 182. One designadjustment to reduce this potential burnout is to vary the air gap orchamber near the edges of the shorter outer conductor 184. By creatingmore distance between inner conductor 186 and outer conductor 184 nearthe edges of the shorter outer conductor 184 the strength of theelectric field is diminished. The diminished electric field leads to alower concentration of corona or gas plasma at the edges of the shorterouter conductor 184 and thus the insulator 182 does not burn out asquickly. In one embodiment, the air gap is varied by tapering thediameter of inner conductor 186 at the edges of outer conductor 184. Forexample, 190 depicts a more narrow diameter of inner conductor 186 atthe two edges of outer conductor 184 while 188 depicts a thickerdiameter of inner conductor 186. Such tapering of inner conductor 186may accomplished by machining techniques. In one embodiment, the air gapcreated by 188 of inner conductor 186 is 0.04 inches and the air gapcreated by 190 of inner conductor 186 is 0.05. In one embodiment, 190 ofinner conductor 186 is centered 2.7 inches from an edge of innerconductor 186. It should be appreciated that FIG. 1C is not drawn toscale.

With reference now to FIG. 2A, a corona cell in accordance withembodiments of the present technology is shown. FIG. 2A depictsenvironment 220 which shows an embodiment of a corona cell. Environment220 depicts plates 225 and 230 which are electrically conductive and maybe described as electrodes or conductors. Plates 225 and 230 areconnected to power source 205 and electricity, current, frequency orvoltage is applied. It should be appreciated that a frequency of 0 Hertzdenotes a DC voltage with no alternating polarity. Plates 225 and 230are separated by an air gap such that power source 205 generates anelectric field 232 between the plates. The direction of electric field232 is based on the polarity of power source 205. It should beappreciated that plates 225 and 230 are depicted as being square inshape but may be any number of shapes such as triangular, circular,rectangular, star shaped, etc. Plates 225 and 230 are coupled to oneanother by plates 235 and 240. In one embodiment, plates 225, 230, 235and 240 form an enclosure, chamber or tunnel open on either end whichallows air to be passed through. Plates 235 and 240 do not electricallyconnect plates 225 and 230. In one embodiment, plates 235 and 240 arenot required and the present technology is practiced simply with plates225 and 230.

Air, such as ambient air or filtered air comprising nitrogen N₂ andoxygen O₂, passes through the enclosure, chamber, or tunnel. Thenitrogen N₂ exposed to the electrical field produces nitric oxide NO.The nitric oxide NO then combines with the O₂ to generate nitrogendioxide NO₂. The nitrogen dioxide NO₂ is injected into a liquid,comprising water H₂O, to generate nitric acid HNO₃ which combines againwith the liquid to generate a nitrate radical NO₃. Thus, a nitratefertilizer is produced.

With reference now to FIG. 2B, a cross section view of a corona cell inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology. FIG. 2B depictsenvironment 250 which shows an embodiment of a corona cell. Environment250 depicts wire 265 and plates 255 and 260 which are electricallyconductive and may be described as electrodes or conductors. Wire 265and plates 255 and 260 are connected to power source 205 andelectricity, current or voltage is applied. Wire 265 is separated fromplates 255 and 260 by two air gaps such that power source 205 generatestwo different electric fields 262 between the plates. The direction ofelectric fields 262 is based on the polarity of power source 205. In oneembodiment, plates 255 and 260 are part of the same tubular pipesurrounding wire 265.

With reference now to FIG. 2C, a corona cell in accordance withembodiments of the present technology. FIG. 2C depicts environment 275which shows an embodiment of a corona cell. Environment 275 depictstubes 280 and 285 which are electrically conductive and may be describedas electrodes or conductors. Tubes 280 and 285 are connected to powersource 205 and electricity, current or voltage is applied. Tubes 280 and285 are separated by a tubular air gap such that power source 205generates an electric field 282 between the plates. Electric field 282radiates in a radial direction. The direction of electric field 232 isbased on the polarity of power source 205. It should be appreciated thattubes 280 and 285 are depicted as being cylindrical pipes in shape butmay be pipes of any number of shapes such as triangular, square,rectangular, star shaped, etc. In one embodiment, tubes 280 and 285 forman enclosure, chamber or tunnel open on either end which allows air tobe passed through.

Air, such as ambient air or filtered air comprising nitrogen N₂ andoxygen O₂, passes through the enclosure, chamber, or tunnel. Thenitrogen N₂ exposed to the electrical field produces nitric oxide NO.The nitric oxide NO then combines with the O₂ to generate nitrogendioxide NO₂. The nitrogen dioxide NO₂ is injected into a liquid,comprising water H₂O, to generate nitric acid HNO₃ which combines againwith the liquid to generate a nitrate radical NO₃. Thus, a nitratefertilizer is produced.

With reference now to FIG. 3, a block diagram of components forproducing fertilizer in situ in accordance with embodiments of thepresent technology. FIG. 3 depicts environment 300 comprising nitrogendioxide generator 310 and source 335 connected with manifolds 315 and340 respectively. Manifolds 315 and 340 may inject gases into a liquidusing an injector such as a venturi injector or may use an air stone.

In one embodiment, nitrogen dioxide generator 310 and source 335 areboth corona cells connected in series or parallel to the same watersource. nitrogen generator 310 receives ambient air, filtered air, orother gases from gas source 305, generates nitrogen dioxide which isinjected into liquid source 320 via manifold 315 controlled by valve325. Liquid 330 then comprises nitrate fertilizer. This same process isthen repeated using source 335, which is a corona cell in this example,manifold 340 controlled by valve 335 to inject more nitrogen dioxideinto liquid 330 such that liquid 330 is outputted by manifold 340 withmore nitrate fertilizer in it. In other words, a plurality of coronacells are employed to inject nitrogen dioxide into the same water overand over to build up higher concentrations of nitrate fertilizer in thewater. The water and nitrate fertilizer may then be delivered to cropssimultaneously by delivery system 340.

In one embodiment, nitrogen dioxide generator 310 and source 335 areboth microwave generators connected in series or parallel to the samewater source. Microwave generators are further discussed in FIG. 5.

In one embodiment, source 335 is employed to with manifold 340 tointroduce other chemicals, liquids, gases, fungicides, pesticides, etc.to the liquid that has been injected with nitrate fertilizer. In otherwords, the present technology may be employed with a pre-existing orother fertigation system. For example, in addition to nitrogen, plantsalso require potassium and phosphorus as nutrients. Source 335 maycomprise potassium or phosphorus. Source 335 may be in-line before orafter nitrogen dioxide generator 310.

With reference now to FIG. 4, a circuit diagram of a power source inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology. FIG. 4 depictsenvironment 400 comprising a power source connected to plates 455 and465. The power source draws power from AC voltage 405 and converts thealternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) at DC power supply 450.The power source comprises switches 410, 425, and 430, relay 435, andfuse 440. Fan 412 is employed to cool the power source and is connectedto ground. Indicator 420 indicates when the power source is running andmay be a light such as a light emitting diode. DC power supply 450depicted as connected to plate 455 and to ground. Plate 465 is connectedto ground. Voltage is applied to plate 455 and generates electric field460 across an air gap between plates 455 and 465. Air 470 is then passedthrough the air gap in accordance with techniques of the presenttechnology. Electric field 460 may change direction based on thepolarity of DC power supply 450. In one embodiment, DC power supply 450may instead be an AC power supply that operates the corona cell between20-50 kilohertz.

In one embodiment, the power source for the corona cell (450 FIG. 4) isa switching power supply that operates at a frequency that is well abovefrequencies associated with human hearing. Thus the power source willnot have an audible whine. For example, the operating frequency may havea range of 30,000 to 60,000 Hertz with 40,000 Hertz as nominal.

With reference now to FIG. 5, a block diagram of a system for generatingnitrates in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. FIG.5 depicts environment 500 comprising microwave generator 510. Microwavegenerator 510 may be used with cavity 515 to act as a corona cell tomanufacture nitrate fertilizer in a water source in accordance with thepresent technology. This embodiment is like the example in FIG. 2A, butall the walls are conductors, as in the heating portion of a microwaveoven. It should be appreciated that the present technology may employboth corona cells and microwave generators to produce nitrate fertilizerin the same water source.

In one embodiment, air source 505 comprises air or other gases thatcomprise nitrogen N₂ and oxygen O₂ which may be from ambient air orfiltered air. The air flows to cavity 515 where it is exposed tomicrowaves from microwave generator 510. The microwaves generated bymicrowave generator 510 may be described as microwave energy whichproduces an AC electrical-field and may be any frequency wheremicrowaves are suitable for ionization of the nitrogen N₂ and oxygen O₂.For example, the microwave energy might be generated at a frequency of2.54 GHz. The nitrogen N₂ exposed to the microwaves produces nitricoxide NO in cavity 515. The nitric oxide NO then combines with the O₂ incavity 515 to generate nitrogen dioxide NO₂. The nitrogen dioxide NO₂ isinjected into a liquid from liquid source 520, comprising water H₂O, inchamber 525 to generate nitric acid HNO₃ which combines again with theliquid in chamber 525 to generate a nitrate radical NO₃. Thus, a nitratefertilizer is generated or manufactured. The water and nitratefertilizer is then delivered to the crops via delivery system 530.Chamber 525 could be a container fed by injecting the NO₂ from cavity515 into the mix via injector, air stone, bubble tubing, or otherdistribution methods like a centrifuge used for mixing.

Operations

With reference now to FIG. 6, a flowchart of process 600 for producing afertilizer in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Itshould be appreciated that process 600 may be carried out with some orall of the steps described and not necessarily in the in orderdescribed. Process 600 may be carried out using the systems andcomponents described in FIGS. 1A-C, 2A-E, 3 and 4. It should beappreciated that the present technology may operate process 600 in aplurality of instances occurring simultaneously, in series, or inparallel. In addition, process 600 may be operated in conjunction withother processes such as processes 700, 800, or 900.

At 602, air is passed through a corona cell to produce nitric oxide NO,

wherein the air comprises a mixture of at least nitrogen N₂ and oxygenO₂. The air may be ambient air and may be filtered or may be from asource such as a tank.

At 604, the nitric oxide NO is combined with the oxygen O₂ in a conduitto form nitrogen dioxide NO₂ Air passing through the corona cell may becontrolled using a variety of parameters, features, and techniques. Inone embodiment, the pressure of the gas and/or plasma is controlled. Inone embodiment, a frequency of the electrical field of the corona cellis controlled. In one embodiment, a voltage of the power source for thecorona cell is controlled. In one embodiment, alternating a current ofpower for the corona cell is controlled. In one embodiment, a resonantfrequency of the corona cell is controlled. In one embodiment, atemperature of the corona cell is controlled. In one embodiment acurrent of the power supply is controlled.

At 606, the nitrogen dioxide NO₂ is injected into a liquid to generatenitric acid HNO₃ which combines with the liquid to generate a nitrateradical NO₃ mixed with the liquid. In one embodiment, the liquid iswater. The liquid may also comprise ozone, a pesticide, potassium,phosphorus, or a fungicide element such as a copper ion. The copper orother metal ion may be release from a copper or other metal electrode inthe corona cell. The gases produced by the corona cell may be injectedinto the water source using injectors such as venture injectorsassociated with a manifold or may be injected via an air stone to createbubbles in the liquid. In one embodiment, the method is repeated using aplurality of corona cells and conduits connected in series and parallel.In one embodiment, the same liquid is injected with nitrogen dioxidemore than once to increase the amount of nitrate in the liquid.

At 608, the nitrate radical NO₃ mixed with the liquid are provided forfertilization and watering of a crop. For example, a farm may haveirrigation or other water systems in place to water the crops, thecorona cell and other components may be connected to this water systemfor delivery of the nitrate fertilizer.

At 610, the liquid mixed with the nitrate radical NO₃ is distributed toa crop.

With reference now to FIG. 7, a flowchart of process 700 for producing afertilizer in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Itshould be appreciated that process 700 may be carried out with some orall of the steps described and not necessarily in the in orderdescribed. Process 700 may be carried out using the systems andcomponents described in FIGS. 3 and 5. It should be appreciated that thepresent technology may operate process 700 in a plurality of instancesoccurring simultaneously, in series, or in parallel. In addition,process 700 may be operated in conjunction with other processes such asprocesses 600, 800, or 900.

At 702, air is passed through a cavity, wherein the air comprises amixture of at least nitrogen N₂ and oxygen O₂.

At 704, the gaseous nitrogen N₂ and oxygen O₂ are exposed to microwavesfrom a microwave generator in the cavity to produce nitric oxide NO. Inone embodiment, the microwave generator may be replaced by a generatoror oscillator emitting high energy radio frequencies outside of themicrowave frequency band that can cause the breakdown of the nitrogen N₂molecule.

At 706, the nitric oxide NO is combined with the oxygen O₂ in a mixingchamber to form nitrogen dioxide NO₂.

At 708, the nitrogen dioxide NO₂ is injected into a liquid to generatenitric acid HNO₃ which combines with the liquid to generate thefertilized comprised of a nitrate radical NO₃ mixed with the liquid. Inone embodiment, the liquid is water. The liquid may also comprise ozone,a pesticide, potassium, phosphorus, or a fungicide element such as acopper ion.

At 710, the nitrate radical NO₃ mixed with the liquid are provided forfertilization and watering of a crop.

With reference now to FIG. 8, a flowchart of process 800 for in situproduction of a fertilizer in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology. It should be appreciated that process 800 may be carried outwith some or all of the steps described and not necessarily in the inorder described. Process 800 may be carried out using the systems andcomponents described in FIGS. 1A-C, 2A-E, 3, 4, and 5. It should beappreciated that the present technology may operate process 800 in aplurality of instances occurring simultaneously, in series, or inparallel. In addition, process 800 may be operated in conjunction withother processes such as processes 600, 700, or 900.

At 802, nitric oxide NO is generated from an air source comprisinggaseous nitrogen N₂ and oxygen O₂.

At 804, the nitric oxide NO is combined with the oxygen O₂ in a conduitto form nitrogen dioxide NO₂.

At 806, the fertilizer is manufactured by injecting the nitrogen dioxideNO₂ into a liquid to generate nitric acid HNO₃ which combines with theliquid to generate a nitrate radical NO₃.

At 808, the manufacturing the fertilizer occurs in situ proximate to anintended area of use such that transportation of the fertilizer from asite of preparation to the area of use is reduced compared toconventional manufacture processes for the fertilizer.

At 810, the nitrate radical NO₃ is mixed with the liquid and the mixtureis provided for fertilization and watering of a crop.

At 812, an ion of a material is released to combine with the liquid. Thematerial may be copper, iron, or a blend of metals that allow ionizationto occur in either a corona discharge cell or a cavity that is exposedto microwaves or other high-energy radio waves.

With reference now to FIG. 9, a flowchart of process 900 for reducingrevenue expenditures associated with an in situ production of afertilizer in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Itshould be appreciated that process 900 may be carried out with some orall of the steps described and not necessarily in the in orderdescribed. Process 900 may be carried out using the systems andcomponents described in FIGS. 1A-C, 2A-E, 3, 4, and 5. It should beappreciated that the present technology may operate process 900 in aplurality of instances occurring simultaneously, in series, or inparallel. In addition, process 600 may be operated in conjunction withother processes such as processes 600, 700, or 800.

At 902, nitric oxide NO is generated from an air source comprising agaseous nitrogen N₂ and oxygen O₂.

At 904, the nitric oxide NO is combined with the oxygen O₂ in a conduitto form nitrogen dioxide NO₂

At 906, the fertilizer is manufactured by injecting the nitrogen dioxideNO₂ into a liquid to generate nitric acid HNO₃ which combines with theliquid to generate a nitrate radical NO₃.

At 908, the revenue expenditures associated with the manufacturing thefertilizer are reduced compared to conventional manufacture processesfor the fertilizer by reducing energy requirements associated withproducing the fertilizer and by reducing transportation of thefertilizer from a site of preparation to an area of use compared to theconventional manufacture processes. It should also be appreciated thatthe hazards associated with manufacture and transport of conventionalnitrogen fertilizers like ammonium nitrate will also be reduced creatinga positive revenue effect. It should also be appreciated that thehazards associated with manufacture and transport of conventionalnitrogen fertilizers like ammonium nitrate will also be reduced furtherlowering expenses.

At 910, the nitrate radical NO₃ mixed with the liquid are provided forfertilization and watering of a crop.

At 912, an ion of a material is released to combine with the liquid. Thematerial may be copper, iron, or a blend of metals that allow ionizationto occur in either a corona discharge cell or a cavity that is exposedto microwaves or other high energy radio waves.

1. A system for creating a nitrate combined with a liquid, comprising: acorona discharge cell to generate an electrical field, said coronadischarge cell further comprising: a conduit to pass air through saidelectrical field to produce nitric oxide NO, wherein said air comprisesa mixture of at least nitrogen oxygen N₂ and oxygen O₂, said conduit forcombining said nitric oxide NO with said oxygen O₂ to form nitrogendioxide NO₂; and an injector for combining said nitrogen dioxide NO₂with said liquid to generate nitric acid HNO₃ which combines with saidliquid to generate said nitrate comprised of nitrate radical NO₃ mixedwith said liquid.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said corona dischargecell further comprises: an inner portion that is electricallyconductive; an outer portion that is electrically conductive whereinsaid outer portion surrounds said inner portion without contacting saidinner portion and forms said conduit to pass said air in a substantiallytubular shape; and a power source coupled with said inner portion andsaid outer portion to produce said electrical field in said conduit. 3.The system of claim 2 wherein said corona discharge cell furthercomprises: an outer conductor substantially tubular in shape andcomprising a first length; an insulator substantially tubular in shapeand surrounded by said outer conductor; an inner conductor comprising asecond length surrounded by said outer conductor and said insulator,wherein said second length is longer than said first length and whereinsaid inner conductor comprises a first diameter along said first lengthand second diameter at an edge of said first length, wherein said firstdiameter is longer than said second diameter; and an air gap betweensaid inner conductor and said insulator, wherein said air gap has afirst thickness at said first diameter of said inner conductor and asecond thickness at said second diameter of said inner conductor,wherein said air gap forms said conduit to pass said air through saidelectrical field generated by said outer conductor and said innerconductor.
 4. The system of claim 2 wherein said inner portion comprisesa material selected from the group of materials consisting of: copper,iron, and a blend of metals that allow ionization to occur in saidcorona discharge cell.
 5. The system of claim 2 wherein said innerportion is substantially cylindrical in shape and said outer portion issubstantially tubular in shape.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein saidcorona discharge cell comprises a control for controlling a featurewherein said feature is selected from the group of features consistingof: a pressure of said corona discharge cell, a frequency of a powersupply, a current of a power supply, a temperature, a voltage of a powersupply, an alternating current of a power supply, and a direct currentof a power supply.
 7. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a powersupply to control said corona discharge cell at a resonant frequency. 8.The system of claim 6 wherein said power supply is to de-tune saidcorona discharge cell off of said resonant frequency to a predeterminedoffset after a startup of said corona discharge cell.
 9. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said liquid comprises water H₂O.
 10. The system of claim1 wherein said injector is a porous media allowing said nitrogen dioxideNO₂ to mix with said liquid.
 11. The system of claim 1, said systemfurther comprising: a plurality of corona discharge cells, conduits, andinjectors connected in series.
 12. The system of claim 1, said systemfurther comprising: a plurality of corona discharge cells, conduits, andinjectors connected in parallel.
 13. A system for fertilizing andirrigating, comprising: a corona discharge cell to generate anelectrical field, said corona discharge cell further comprising: aconduit to pass air through said electrical field to produce nitricoxide NO, wherein said air comprises a mixture of at least nitrogen N₂and oxygen O₂, said conduit for combining said nitric oxide NO with saidoxygen O₂ to form nitrogen dioxide NO₂; an injector for combining saidnitrogen dioxide NO₂ with a liquid to generate nitric acid HNO₃ whichcombines with said liquid to generate a nitrate comprised of nitrateradical NO₃ mixed with said liquid; and a delivery system for deliveringsaid nitrate radical NO₃ mixed with said liquid to a crop for wateringand fertilizing said crop.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein saidcorona discharge cell further comprises: an inner portion that iselectrically conductive; an outer portion that is electricallyconductive wherein said outer portion surrounds said inner portionwithout contacting said inner portion and forms said conduit to passsaid air in a substantially tubular shape; and a power source coupledwith said inner portion and said outer portion to produce saidelectrical field in said conduit.
 15. A system for creating a nitratecombined with a liquid, comprising: a microwave generator to expose agaseous nitrogen N₂ and oxygen O₂ mixture to microwaves in a cavity toproduce nitric oxide NO; a mixing chamber for combining said nitricoxide NO with said oxygen O₂ to form nitrogen dioxide NO₂; and aninjector for combining said nitrogen dioxide NO₂ with said liquid togenerate nitric acid HNO₃ which combines with said liquid to generatesaid nitrate comprised of nitrate radical NO₃ mixed with said liquid.16. The system of claim 15 wherein said microwave generator generateshigh energy radio frequencies outside of a range of said microwaves. 17.The system of claim 15 wherein said liquid comprises water H₂O.
 18. Thesystem of claim 15 wherein said injector is a porous media allowing saidnitrogen dioxide NO₂ to mix with said liquid.
 19. The system of claim15, said system further comprising: a plurality of corona dischargecells, conduits, and injectors connected in series.
 20. The system ofclaim 15, said system further comprising: a plurality of coronadischarge cells, conduits, and injectors connected in parallel.
 21. Thesystem of claim 15, further comprising: a delivery system for deliveringsaid nitrate radical NO₃ mixed with said liquid to a crop for wateringand fertilizing said crop.
 22. A method for producing a fertilizer,comprising: passing air through a corona cell to produce nitric oxideNO, wherein said air comprises a mixture of at least nitrogen N₂ andoxygen O₂; combining said nitric oxide NO with said oxygen O₂ in aconduit to form nitrogen dioxide NO₂; injecting said nitrogen dioxideNO₂ into a liquid to generate nitric acid HNO₃ which combines with saidliquid to generate a nitrate radical NO₃ mixed with said liquid; andproviding said liquid mixed with said nitrate radical NO₃ forfertilization and watering.
 23. The method of claim 22, said methodfurther comprising: distributing said liquid mixed with said nitrateradical NO₃ to a crop.
 24. The method of claim 22 wherein said liquid iswater H₂O.
 25. The method of claim 22 wherein said corona cell comprisesan electrode composed of a material that releases an ion of saidmaterial to combine with said liquid during an operation of said coronacell, wherein said material is selected from the group of materialsconsisting of: copper, iron, and a blend of metals that allow ionizationto occur in said corona discharge cell.
 26. The method of claim 22wherein said injecting said nitrogen dioxide NO₂ into said liquid occursvia a porous media allowing said nitrogen dioxide NO₂ to mix with saidliquid.
 27. The method of claim 22 wherein said corona cell comprises anair chamber with two electrodes and a power supply, and is controlled bycontrolling a control feature of said corona cell wherein said controlfeature is selected from a list of control features consisting: apressure of said corona cell, a frequency of said power supply, aresonant frequency of said corona cell, a current of said power supply,a temperature, a voltage of said power supply, an alternating current ofsaid power supply, and a direct current of said power supply.
 28. Themethod of claim 22 wherein said method is repeated using a plurality ofcorona cells and conduits connected in series.
 29. The method of claim22 wherein said method is repeated using a plurality of corona cells andconduits connected in parallel.
 30. The method of claim 22 wherein saidliquid is already mixed with a quantity of a nitrate radical NO₃generated using said method for producing said fertilizer previous tosaid injecting.
 31. The method of claim 22 incorporating other gaseswith said air before said passing.
 32. The method of claim 22 whereinsaid injecting is controlled by controlling a pressure of said liquid.33. A method for producing a fertilizer, comprising: passing air througha cavity, wherein said air comprises a mixture of at least nitrogen N₂and oxygen O₂; exposing said air to microwaves from a generator in saidcavity to produce nitric oxide NO; combining said nitric oxide NO withsaid oxygen O₂ in a mixing chamber to form nitrogen dioxide NO₂;injecting said nitrogen dioxide NO₂ into a liquid to generate nitricacid HNO₃ which combines with said liquid to generate said fertilizedcomprised of a nitrate radical NO₃ mixed with said liquid; and providingsaid liquid mixed with said nitrate radical NO₃ for fertilization andwatering.
 34. The method of claim 33 wherein said liquid is water H₂O.35. The method of claim 33 wherein said cavity comprises a material thatreleases an ion of said material to combine with said liquid, whereinsaid material is selected from the group of materials consisting of:copper, iron, and a blend of metals that allow ionization to occur insaid cavity.
 36. The method of claim 33 wherein said injection of saidnitrogen dioxide NO₂ into said liquid occurs via a porous media allowingsaid nitrogen dioxide NO₂ to mix with said liquid.
 37. The method ofclaim 33 wherein said method is repeated using a plurality of cavities,microwave generators, and mixing chambers connected in series.
 38. Themethod of claim 33 wherein said method is repeated using a plurality ofcavities, microwave generators, and mixing chambers connected inparallel.
 39. A method for in situ production of a fertilizer,comprising: generating nitric oxide NO from an air source comprising agaseous nitrogen N₂ and oxygen O₂; combining said nitric oxide NO withsaid oxygen O₂ in a conduit to form nitrogen dioxide NO₂; manufacturingsaid fertilizer by injecting said nitrogen dioxide NO₂ into a liquid togenerate nitric acid HNO₃ which combines with said liquid to generate anitrate radical NO₃; said manufacturing said fertilizer occurs in situproximate to an intended area of use such that transportation of saidfertilizer from a site of preparation to said area of use is reducedcompared to conventional manufacture processes for said fertilizer; andproviding said liquid mixed with said nitrate radical NO₃ forfertilization and watering.
 40. The method of claim 39, said methodfurther comprising: releasing an ion of a material to combine with saidliquid, wherein said material is selected from the group of materialsconsisting of: copper, iron, and a blend of metals that allow ionizationof said material to occur.
 41. A method for reducing revenueexpenditures associated with an in situ production of a fertilizer,comprising: generating nitric oxide NO from an air source comprising agaseous nitrogen N₂ and oxygen O₂; combining said nitric oxide NO withsaid oxygen O₂ in a conduit to form nitrogen dioxide NO₂; manufacturingsaid fertilizer by injecting said nitrogen dioxide NO₂ into a liquid togenerate nitric acid HNO₃ which combines with said liquid to generate anitrate radical NO₃; reducing said revenue expenditures associated withsaid manufacturing said fertilizer compared to conventional manufactureprocesses for said fertilizer by reducing energy requirements associatedwith producing said fertilizer and by reducing transportation of saidfertilizer from a site of preparation to an area of use compared to saidconventional manufacture processes; and providing said liquid mixed withsaid nitrate radical NO₃ for fertilization and watering.
 42. The methodof claim 41 wherein said revenue expenditures are fixed and variablecosts and are reduced by reducing equipment costs, electricityrequirements, repair costs, and taxes.
 43. The method of claim 41, saidmethod further comprising: releasing an ion of a material to combinewith said liquid, wherein said material is selected from the group ofmaterials consisting of: copper, iron, and a blend of metals that allowionization of said material to occur.